Is Bringing Back Blount Really the Right Move?

Oregon issued a release Thursday night that hinted at Kelly's plan, which "could include Blount's potential reinstatement prior to the conclusion of the 2009 season.'' Kelly will discuss Blount's status Friday.

Earlier Thursday, the Oregon student newspaper Daily Emerald published a well-crafted letter to the editor signed by Blount, who indicated that he did not expect to get a second chance. All that seems to have changed.

"There's no point in rehashing the reasons. We've all seen the video
too many times. It was bad, and it could have been worse, if assistant
coach Scott Frost and security personnel hadn't been able to wrestle
Blount away from the Boise State fans.

"Everyone has long since formed an opinion on Blount's actions, and Kelly's reaction.

"But it's fair now to wonder whether this was the plan all along."

That's right, Kelly never intended for Blount to sit out the season. Schroeder writes that "you'd be forgiven for wondering whether this was a set-up, right from the start. After beating Cal, it appeared the Ducks would be fine without Blount. So Kelly has cover to bring Blount back, if it happens. It doesn't seem self-serving, a coach in need of help to win. It does seem awfully convenient."